I noticed construction zone signs has been put up on FM423 between Panther Creek and US380. Is construction ready to go or do they still need to relocate utilities. Also is there a right turn lane at US380 to south FM423 part of this project?

The signs posted are not for the construction of FM 423. TxDOT has not yet bid that construction project. The bid date is expected to be in mid to late 2010. The construction plans are nearing completion. No Right of Way acquisition or utility relocation has begun. There is currently not any work on US 380 as part of the FM 423 project, but we may be able to modify the striping to include a dedicated right turn lane.

If bids go out in 2010 - does that mean we have to wait that much longer for the needed repairs to the street surfaces? I understand delaying repair when an upcoming major project is soon to start. But, 423 has some really bad sections, some of which are in Frisco, some in the Colony. Are they going to be repaired? 2009 just started and it looks like at least 2011 before the expansion takes place. Also, the plans said 6 lanes. Is this 2 each way and a turning (5 lanes) or 3 each way and a turning (7 lanes) or something I have not imagined?

FM 423 will be widened to a 6 lane (3 each direction) roadway with a raised concrete median. This section is similar to what currently exists on Preston Road from SH 121 to Main Street. Additional turn lanes will be added at intersections.

Maintenance of FM 423 is the responsibility of the TxDOT Denton County Area Office. We are not aware of any maintenance activities planned.

The development of TxDOT projects follows a different path than a typical city project. TxDOT must follow Federal regulations when planning, designing and constructing projects. The federal requirements for environmental clearance of a project and right of way acquisition bring quite a bit more unpredictability into the timeline for a project. TxDOT provides us with their best approximation of the project timeline. As the phases of the project development are completed, the dates become more accurate. Currently, design of the project is nearing completion and right of way acquisition and utility relocation remain before construction can begin. As FM 423 is an important arterial for the City of Frisco, we are doing everything we can to help TxDOT meet these dates.